'X Factor' Replaces Lady GaGa and Madonna With Rihanna

Simon Cowell thought last week's episode was too 'American Idol', therefore he would allow the remaining contestants to be free from choreography theme.

Photo credit: Alex Broadway/WENN

There have been some changes made to next Wednesday's show of "The X Factor (US)". Instead of presenting Lady GaGa and Madonna, the episode will feature a performance from Rihanna who has helped mentor L.A. Reid in the audition round.

Speaking to THR, Simon Cowell said he hated last week's show because it was "a bit Idol like". "I didn't think the production was very good, I didn't like the guest artist [Outasight], we all looked tired," he complained, adding "I can always feel the energy, and I've got to admit, sitting there last week was hard work. This week, it all felt better -- like we clicked."

In his attempt to make some improvement, Simon set Rock N Roll as next week's theme. "I changed my mind," he said. "What I like about Wednesday's show was the idea of someone, particularly Astro, using the whole stage without props. And I thought doing Lady GaGa and Madonna could get a bit too choreography-led and also too restrictive for someone like Astro. Rock music gives you a better chance to use the whole stage like we did on the auditions: just you and a huge platform behind you and make it like it's your first concert."